Buoy tender explained

A buoy tender is a type of vessel used to maintain and replace navigational buoys. This term can also apply to an actual person who does this work.

The United States Coast Guard uses buoy tenders to accomplish one of its primary missions of maintaining all U.S. aids to navigation (ATON).^[1]

The Canadian Coast Guard uses multi-use vessels (most being icebreakers) with tasks including buoy tending.^[2]

Types of coast guard buoy tenders

United States Coast Guard

• 240'
• 225' USCG seagoing buoy tender (WLB)
• 175' USCG coastal buoy tender (WLM)
• 100' USCG inland buoy tender (WLI)
• 100' USCG inland construction tender (WLIC)
• 75' River buoy tender (WLR)
• 75' Inland construction tender (WLIC)
• 65' River buoy tender (WLR)
• 65' Inland buoy tender (WLI)
• 49' Buoy utility stern loading boat (BUSL)
• Other miscellaneous aids to navigation boats

Canadian Coast Guard

• 272'
• 272'
• 228'
• 228'
• 198'
• 180'
• 179'
• 180'
• 144'
• 125'
• 66'

Other buoy tenders

Many coastal States have buoy tenders to maintain aids to navigation in and around their coastal waters. In the UK, this includes lighthouse authorities, including the Northern Lighthouse Board and Trinity House who ships maintain buoys as well as acting as lighthouse tenders.^{[3] [4]}

• NLV Pharos, multi-function tender
• NLV Pole Star, medium buoy tender
• THV Galatea, multi-function tender

Further reading

• United States Coast Guard Bibliography and links on buoy tenders.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Aids to Navigation – Mapping the Waters GoCoastGuard.com. www.gocoastguard.com. 2019-05-06.
2. Web site: Icebreaker Fleet. May 6, 2019. Canadian Coast Guard.
3. Web site: Shipbuilders invited to industry day on buoy tender replacement . 5 June 2024 . Riviera.
4. Web site: Buoys Are Back In Town. 5 June 2024 . Trinity House.